Hyundai Santa Fe Receives J.D. Power 2019 Dependability Award
Award Details
The Santa Fe, from Hyundai, has achieved one of the most prestigious awards globally. The SUV was recognized as the "Most Dependable Midsize SUV" in the 2019 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, reflecting the long-term reliability satisfaction of its owners.
Study Methodology
The study, conducted in the U.S. market for over thirty years, examined issues faced by 80,000 first-time owners of 2016 model vehicles over the past twelve months. It solicited feedback regarding the overall dependability of their vehicles based on the number of problems encountered per 100 vehicles, with fewer problems indicating higher quality.
Vehicle Classification
The study covered 177 specific problems and classified vehicles into eight main categories. The Santa Fe ranked highest in its category, providing practical evidence from real owners of this SUV regarding its high dependability within Hyundai's growing family of SUVs.
Hyundai's Statement
On this occasion, Mike Song, Head of Operations for Hyundai in Africa and the Middle East, stated that dependability represents "a fundamental pillar of Hyundai's brand success," emphasizing that winning this award is "significant for the company." He added, "We strive to offer bold design, strong performance, and versatility to our customers, alongside advanced technologies that ensure the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers. We are also committed to providing all of this in a vehicle that everyone can rely on year after year."
Third Generation Ratings
The 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study evaluated the 2016 model from the previous third generation of the Santa Fe, as the award is based on long-term usage assessments. Hyundai launched the completely new fourth generation in 2018.
Fourth Generation Improvements
Song noted that he believes the current fourth-generation Santa Fe "goes beyond those reliability capabilities to enhance driver satisfaction," highlighting that the 2019 models include new safety, comfort, and luxury technologies, improved visibility, and more spacious interior and storage, along with a bolder design style.
Previous Results
Hyundai has achieved notable results in previous J.D. Power surveys, including the Tucson, which was rated the "Most Dependable Small SUV" in the 2018 Vehicle Dependability Study.
